Lebanon council questions Federal drug fund

Council, at its regular meeting on July 20, considered on first reading an ordinance to transfer approximately $27,000 from the Federal Assets Seizure Fund. Ward 6 Councilor Kathy Warmath had some questions concerning limitations on the funds.

She and other councilors were concerned mainly with the structure of the fund. The U.S. Department of Justice provides this “gift” to cities that take part in the task forces established by the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency. Instead of being additional funds for a city’s budget, the money is an enhancement and is only to be used for non-recurring costs.

The issue will be discussed again at a later date.

In other business, council deferred a resolution to approve a $150,000 grant from the state to improve and rehab the facilities at the Don Fox Community Park. It would require a 50 percent match by the city which would be divided by Playground Inc. at $35,000, citizen labor at $30,000 and city labor, etc. at $10,000.

Council also deferred action on a $400,000 grant from the State Parks and Local Recreation Fund for the second section of phase five of the Cedar City Trail. The grant would be used to create a new park across from the new Lebanon High School.

Council deferred the two measures due to additional questions. Mayor Philip Craighead was not in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting which was presided over by Mayor Pro-Tem Kevin Huddleston who represents Ward 2.